When can I start using the 30 hours for my 2-year-old?

The 30 hours for 2-year-olds will be available from 1 September 2025. Until then, working parents of 2-year-olds can get 15 hours per week.

Do I need to reapply when the hours increase to 30?

No, if you already have an eligibility code for 15 hours, it should automatically update to 30 hours from September 2025. However, you should check your account to confirm.

What if my child turns 3 before September 2025?

If your child turns 3 before September 2025, they will be eligible for the universal 15 hours plus extended 30 hours (if you meet working requirements) from the term after their 3rd birthday.

Can I use the hours during school holidays?

Yes, if your provider offers "stretched" funding. This spreads your term-time hours across the full year, including holidays.

What happens if I stop working?

You must inform the government immediately if you stop working. You may lose your funded hours, but you can reapply when you return to work.

30 hours funding by age: 2 to 3 years | Childcare Hours UK

From April 2024, working parents of 2-year-olds became eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare per week. This will expand to 30 hours from September 2025. Here's what you need to know.

What you get now (April 2024 onwards)

Working parents of 2-year-olds can currently get 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time. This is available from the term after your child's 2nd birthday.

Important

The 15 hours for 2-year-olds is only available to working parents who meet the income requirements. This is different from the universal 15 hours that all 3-year-olds get.

Current eligibility requirements

To qualify for 15 hours of funded childcare for your 2-year-old, you must:

Be a working parent (employed or self-employed)
Earn at least £152 per week on average (equivalent to 16 hours at minimum wage)
Earn less than £100,000 per year
Live in England
Your child must be aged 2-3 years

What changes from September 2025

From 1 September 2025, working parents of 2-year-olds will be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare per week instead of 15 hours.

Major expansion

This represents a doubling of funded hours for 2-year-olds, potentially saving families thousands of pounds per year in childcare costs.

Eligibility from September 2025

The eligibility requirements remain the same, but the hours increase:

Working parents (employed or self-employed)
Earn at least £152 per week on average
Earn less than £100,000 per year
Live in England
Your child must be aged 2-3 years
30 hours per week (instead of 15)

When to apply

You can apply for funded childcare when your child turns 2 years old. The funded hours will be available from the term after your child's 2nd birthday.

Term start dates

September term: starts early September
January term: starts early January
April term: starts after Easter

Application deadlines

31 March: for April term starts
31 August: for September term starts
31 December: for January term starts

Don't miss deadlines

Apply well before these deadlines to ensure your eligibility code is ready when you need it. Late applications may mean missing out on funding for that term.

Reconfirmation requirements

You must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months to keep your funded hours. This involves:

Logging into your childcare account
Confirming your working status and income
Updating any changes to your circumstances

Set reminders

Missing reconfirmation deadlines means losing your funded hours immediately. Set calendar reminders to avoid this.

Finding suitable providers

Not all childcare providers offer funded places for 2-year-olds. When searching for a provider:

Ask specifically about funded places for 2-year-olds
Check if they offer the hours you need
Confirm they accept the funding before applying
Consider both term-time and stretched options

Combining with other support

You can use this funding alongside other government schemes:

Tax-free childcare: Use for additional hours or costs not covered by funding
Childcare vouchers: If you already receive them (scheme is closing to new applicants)
Universal Credit: May still be available for some costs

Key tips for success

Apply early: Don't wait until the last minute
Keep records: Save payslips and income evidence
Set reminders: For reconfirmation deadlines
Check providers: Ensure they accept funded hours before applying
Plan ahead: Consider your childcare needs for the full year

Moving to 3-year funding

When your child turns 3, they become eligible for universal 15 hours (all children) plus extended 30 hours (working parents). The application process is similar, but you'll need to reapply.

30 hours funding by age: 2 to 3 years